Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Episode 20. Date
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Like Ariadne slipping into Cobb's dream in Inception,
the countless crowds on this street glanced at Dahye as they passed, as if they'd rehearsed it beforehand.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ It was a bizarre situation, but I couldn't help understanding them.
They weren't just looking at her because of her beauty—they were being forcibly robbed of their gazes by her.
Even among all the people dressed in bright spring outfits, Dahye's legs stood out with an otherworldly glow,
pulling eyes toward them whether people wanted it or not.
But Dahye strode through the street bravely, like a warrior wrapped in buffs amid that wave of stares.
Where had that timid girl from moments ago gone?
I felt proud.
My plan was working perfectly.
Now, Dahye's attention was focused solely on the shops lining the street and on me.
The crowds probably didn't even register to her anymore.
Well done, Park Dahye. Here's one thumbs-up.
"Seonghyeon! Ice cream over there! Should we get some?"
"Ice cream after we eat. Aren't you hungry?"
"Yeah... now that you mention it, I'm starving."
"Anything you want? Just say it. I know all the good spots around here."
"Hmm... a burger? What about a burger?"
"For breakfast?"
"Is that weird...? But burgers always sound good to me on weekends..."
Hmm.
I wanted to feed her something healthy, but a burger? Eh.
Still, I got it.
Weekends have that effect on me too.
Just imagining sitting by the window at a two-story fast-food joint, munching on fries—it lifts my mood.
Dahye must be feeling the same.
Whatever. One day won't kill us. We can start the healthy eating at dinner.
"Alright, burger it is. There's a great burger place nearby."
"McDonald's?"
"Artisan burgers. Way better than McDonald's."
"Whoa... I love McDonald's, and it's better than that?"
"Obviously. Like, ten times better. Hmm... how about we get them to go and eat in the park?"
"Yes! That sounds perfect!"
How could I say no to that excitement?
The artisan burger spot was at the end of the street.
But first, if I spotted a clothing store, we should grab some outfits.
Need to cover those legs a bit and stock up on underwear ahead of time.
As we walked, Dahye picked out two pairs of character socks.
I grabbed sunglasses and a hat for her.
They were cheap, but I figured they'd come in handy someday, so I bought them. Come to think of it, being around Dahye always feels like playing an RPG.
Like this morning, I keep anticipating the future and preparing for it.
This must be what being a parent feels like.
Ever since I decided to support her life, I can't shake the sense that I've become her guardian.
A little while later, Dahye, who had wandered ahead, waved and called back.
"Seonghyeon! Lingerie store over here."
"You can shop for underwear alone, right? I'll wait out here."
"No way, don't go! You have to help me pick!"
Ugh, this is a hassle. Women's lingerie stores make me uncomfortable.
Pushed by Dahye, we entered, and the clerk greeted us warmly.
My eyes spun from the dazzling array of lacy bras lining the walls.
"Welcome! Shopping for your girlfriend?"
"Yes, but we're not sure if they have her size."
"What size does she usually wear?"
"70E."
The moment I said it, the clerk's eyebrows jumped up and down like Mario.
I mean, in my 29 years, I'd never met anyone with E-cups either.
Guess E is an exotic spelling even for lingerie clerks.
"Shall we measure her first, then?"
"Sure, go ahead."
The conversation flowed naturally, but why was I the one talking to the clerk?
The actual buyer had been hiding behind me since we walked in.
"Dahye, what are you doing? Go get measured."
"Ugh... it's embarrassing."
"What? You shake them around at home all the time, and now you're shy? Hurry up."
"Fine..."
A bit later,
Dahye returned from following the clerk, her face beet red.
"Fit okay?"
"Yeah... it does."
"Then why do you look so down?"
"That sister touched my boobs... it was so embarrassing..."
Ah.
Got it.
The clerk had groped her chest for the fitting, and she got shy.
Unbelievable.
She acts shameless around me.
Was it always supposed to be that embarrassing?
I can't figure out her sense of shame at all.
The clerk led us to the most remote corner of the store.
And then,
"All the E-cups are right here. Pick whichever you like~."
She tossed that out and left.
Harsher than I expected.
Out of this sea of lingerie, E-cups got just one rack?
Maybe ten bras, tops.
Park Dahye really is a rare breed.
"Dahye, see anything you like?"
"What do you think, Seonghyeon?"
"It's for you. What do I care about my tastes?"
"I'll wear it at home, and you're the only one who'll see."
"Please don't cater to me there. Just focus on coverage first, okay?"
"Of course it'll cover. But, like... living together, you might see anyway..."
"Enough. Just pick something."
"Okay..."
She was moping from shyness earlier, now she's moping for a different reason.
Obvious why.
Because of my no-skinship rule from this morning.
She loved the head pats and back hugs,
and now that they're banned, she's clearly regretting it.
But no means no.
We're gonna live together—can't keep blurring lines, or I might lose control of my instincts.
I don't want to be irresponsible.
I wouldn't sleep with any woman without feelings, let alone my precious Kim Pokttal.
"Okay... I'll take these two."
Dahye picked simple silk bras without fancy patterns or lace.
One black, one white.
Plain design, but the cup size made them look seriously sexy anyway.
"Solid choices. I'll go pay. Hand them over."
"Wait, I'm buying them? I have money."
"I'm covering everything today. Housewarming gift for you."
"Still feels bad..."
"Don't. After eight years of free rides, one day won't cut it."
"Hmm... then I'll pay for the next date."
"Deal. Looking forward to it."
"Heehee. Thanks, Seonghyeon. Oh, I saw something else—can I get it too?"
"If it fits, sure. But they said this is everything in your size."
"No, not that. Hold on!"
With that, Dahye vanished somewhere.
She was hovering behind me earlier—what caught her eye?
Game character panties or something?
I set the underwear on the counter and waited, when the clerk cautiously spoke up.
"Your girlfriend's gorgeous. Must be nice. Killer figure too."
"Yeah, haha. She is."
"She's pretty shy, though. Dodged the measuring like crazy. I'd be proud if it were me."
"She's innocent, no guts."
Right then, Park Dahye returned.
Holding something ridiculous.
"You're... serious?"
What Dahye held was...
a slip.
A women's nightgown.
Shoulder straps with frills, split at the waist and bust,
but the problem was...
both pieces were mercilessly sheer.
"Oh, that'd look amazing on you~ Hohoho."
The clerk shot me a sleazy grin, not even hiding it.
Damn. Why is she never helpful?
I just covered for her innocence, and now this timing...
And without a clue, Dahye declared boldly.
"Seonghyeon, buy this for me too!"
I could sense the desire in her happy smile.
Her ugly craving to sneak in a back hug somehow.
I was supporting your shopping like a parent, but your head's full of back hugs.
Maybe my most urgent task right now isn't helping Dahye—it's protecting myself.
"I'm warning you: wear that only in your room. If I see it, you're out."
"Ugh... you're so mean, Kwon Seonghyeon..."
"Mean? Even if you love back hugs, that's too much."
"Aw~ You said I was pretty earlier. Don't you wanna see me in it?"
"Wanna see wha—"
"Don't lie. For real!"
"...Yeah, I do."
Agh. Should've lied.
Silence fell instantly.
Dahye nodded proudly,
and behind her, the clerk stifled giggles with her hand over her mouth.
Ha...
Couldn't help it, though.
Her insane figure from under the pajamas this morning, combined with that sheer fabric—who could resist?
Whatever.
Karma's a bitch, Kwon Seonghyeon...
Gonna end up devoured at this rate.
Unaware of my turmoil, Dahye thrust the slip at the clerk without a care.
Her voice boomed, too.
Maybe my buff was too strong.
"Sis, this too, please!"
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